Christopher Dresser was not only one of the most important and prolific designers of the late19th Century, he was also the most versatile, producing the widest and most refined range of art objects of any designer from that period. A formally trained botanist and former protegé of Owen Jones, his diverse background equipped him with a deep understanding of ornament inspired by nature from cultures all over world, past and present. This piece designed for Linthorp demonstrates his mastery in fusing ancient motifs with natural forms.

About Christopher Dresser

Praised as Britain’s first independent industrial designer, Christopher Dresser forged his own language of design, known for a modern style suited for mass availability. Dresser began studying at the industrial level Government School of Design in London at age 13, graduating from student to teacher in less than ten years, during which time he focused his coursework on botany and design. Inspired to transcend the confines of Western art, Dresser attended the 1876 World Exhibition in Philadelphia and subsequently traveled to Japan on a trip that had a formative effect on his aesthetic. Dresser developed the belief that regardless of financial status, all should be entitled to beautiful surroundings, and aimed to produce goods that linked high quality with mass production, such as textiles, furniture, glass, ceramics, wallpaper, and metalware (including an extensive array of playful and innovative toast racks.)

British, 1834-1904, Glasgow, United Kingdom, based in London, United Kingdom